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We offer an extensive ophthalmic surgical network of brands with offices throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. Our centers provide innovative surgical solutions partnered with ophthalmology practices to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. OOMC is pleased to provide the highest level of expertise in the ophthalmic treatment space.
January 02, 2020
Most people who wear glasses only cleanse them by buffing out smudges on their shirts or a nearby cloth. This may make the blurry glass more clear, but it’s not really doing a good job of cleaning the glass.
It’s important that you keep your glasses clean and free of bacteria. Your glasses sit right in front of your eyes and have plenty of opportunity of infecting them.
Learn more about the bacteria on your eyeglasses and how to disinfect them.
Microban’s research found that 95% of the frames from prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses tested were contaminated with high levels of bacteria. All of this bacteria on your glasses can end up irritating, infecting or scratching your eyes. The reason for this is that you’re constantly touching your glasses, adjusting them, or taking them on or off. The bacteria in the environment is picked up by your hands, which then transfers them to your glasses.
Some people also use their breath to clean their eyeglasses and wipe them free of smudges, but this could end up infecting the eyeglasses more. Bacteria thrive in warm places, so your eyes are targets. Keeping your glasses free from bacteria is important to reduce the risk of eye infection or abrasions.
It’s very common for eye doctors to see infections that have occurred from eyeglasses that have not been cleaned regularly. Learn more about these eye infections.
Blepharitis: Blepharitis is eyelid inflammation typically caused by a bacterial infection. It can either affect the outside front of the eyelid where the eyelashes area, or within the eyelids. Symptoms include burning, flaking, crusting, tearing, irritation, itching and redness.
Bacterial Keratitis: This is an infection of the cornea that occurs quickly from bacteria and must be treated as soon as possible. Symptoms include pain, reduced vision, light sensitivity and tearing or discharge from the eye.
Conjunctivitis: Commonly known as pink eye, this infection is also caused by bacteria. Symptoms include inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and inner eyelid.
Microban also found that of the 1,052 people they asked cleaned their glasses less frequently than once a week. This allows bacteria to continuously accumulate. In addition, having dirty lenses affects the way you see. Make sure you’re cleaning your glasses regularly to disinfect them appropriately.
Wash your glasses with your fingertips using a small amount of hand soap or gentle dish detergent and warm water. Rinse them thoroughly to get all the soap off, then dry them with a soft towel or a special microfiber cloth. You can also use diluted rubbing alcohol to clean your glasses, but be sure it doesn’t conflict with any special coating that may be on your lenses.
Make sure to take this into consideration and clean your eyeglasses regularly to avoid painful infections that could be potentially damaging.
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